The Bismarck National Weather Service states a winter storm will possibly affect portions of south central and southeastern North Dakota Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.

Timing – Moderate to heavy snow should begin to enter extreme southern North Dakota Tuesday afternoon, then spread north into central and southeastern North Dakota Tuesday evening. This activity should continue through Tuesday night and gradually taper off from west to east by Wednesday afternoon.

Impacts – Snow, blowing and drifting snow will generate hazardous travel conditions mainly along and south of I-94 east of Dickinson Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. Possible blizzard conditions over extreme south central and southeastern North Dakota could stress power lines and cause spotty power outages, mainly across the James River basin Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.

The expected snowfall totals through Wednesday for Mercer County are from Trace – 3″ in the North and from 3″ – 6″ in the South.

A Winter Storm Watch and Blizzard Watch remain in effect for much of the southwest, south-central and southeastern North Dakota. Heavy snow and strong winds over southeastern and far south-central North Dakota may possibly create blizzard conditions Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.

Remember: The exact storm track may still shift over the next 36 hours…and uncertainty remains regarding the final impacts of this storm. Stay tuned for forecast updates at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/

The winter storm coming in late Saturday afternoon, 6:00pm (CT) will last through Monday Morning. Heaviest snow will accumulate overnight Saturday, and early Sunday morning. There will be blowing snow and colder temperatures on Sunday. The south half of Mercer County can expect 2-4 inches of snow, while the north half could receive 4-6 inches of snow.
A second storm will be coming in Monday night and last through Wednesday. This will be a Colorado Low and snow accumulations are expected to be a lot heavier, possibly 10-20 inches of snow for the east 2/3rds of State. Mercer County, right now, looks to be on the edge of this system. I will have another update from the Bismarck Weather Service on this 2nd storm on Monday Morning.
Keep updated on weather at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/

Since we have received a significant amount of snow coverage within Mercer County this morning, the decision has been made to lift the burn ban for Mercer County. Always use common sense and caution when burning and let the local Dispatch (745-3334) know if you are doing a controlled burn. Please remember if dry conditions return a burn ban will again be put into place.

Due to the large amounts of dry vegetation on the ground and lack of precipitation and not foreseeing any precipitation in the near future, the Mercer County Commission, advised by the local Fire Chiefs, has issued a Burn Ban for all of Mercer County until further notice.

An individual who willfully violates a burning ban established by a local order or proclamation under section 37-17.1-10 is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.